BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEASURES RELATED TO POSTURAL CONTROL IN OLDER ADULTS
Abstract
This study examined the biopsychosocial measure related to postural control in the growing population of older adults (i.e., 60 years and older). The sample of the study consisted of 129 older adults (M = 74.45, SD = 6.95), with 34 males and 95 females, and 36 classified with chronic low-back pain (CLBP) and 93 without chronic low-back pain (NCLBP). Physical and psychosocial constructs were analyzed as predictors for postural control measures. Also gender and classification of low-back pain were examined as moderators for all physical and psychosocial measures. Results supported that physical and psychosocial measures were able to significantly predict composite, visual, and vestibular balance measures, but not somatosensory or preference balance measures. The chair stand test, modified sit-and-reach test, sleep disturbance, and balance efficacy were all identified as individual significant predictors. Gender and CLBP did not moderate the utility of any predictor variables. Results of the current study support of utilizing the biopsychosocial approach for future research examining postural control in older adults.